Transition to university
The transition to university life can be challenging.
We are mindful that students arrive at university with different backgrounds, experiences and skills, and it can take time to settle in. We have several transition programmes to help make sure all students are equipped to have the best possible university experience.
Widening participation in schools and colleges
We support students even before they apply to university and start their course. Our Education Outreach Team run workshops, talks and online courses that help prepare those at school and college for university, including developing their study skills.
Contextual admissions and financial support
We welcome talented students who have the potential to succeed at university regardless of educational or personal background. As well as financial support such as scholarships and bursaries, we run contextual admissions schemes that aim to support UK students from backgrounds that are less represented at university to get a place on an undergraduate degree and get the most from their studies with us.
Access via non-traditional qualifications
We are committed to making sure that Leeds is an inclusive university that attracts, develops and retains the best students from diverse backgrounds and supports them to succeed. This includes welcoming students with different qualifications, not just A-levels. These students usually come from backgrounds that are under-represented at university and they are often the first in their family to go to university. We know from our data that they are also at a higher risk of withdrawing from their studies.
To address this, we are finding ways to help our students who have arrived via a non-traditional qualification route prepare for academic assessments by providing additional support modules on courses where needed. We are also making our methods of assessment for prospective and current students, including our admissions process, more inclusive.
One of the interventions we have developed is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) in collaboration with students at Leeds who have anon-traditional qualification. The FutureLearn Skills to Succeed at University MOOC provides academic skills and support as well as a chance for students to share their journeys into and experiences of higher education. The content of the course has been shaped by the experiences of current students at Leeds.
Welcome Buddy scheme
This scheme offers friendship and peer support to help our students and postgraduate researchers feel that they are part of the University community.
The scheme is offered one-to-one or in small groups hosted by current students and offers a welcoming space for people to make friends and settle into student life.
Watch our YouTube video about the Welcome Buddy scheme:
Video transcript: Make new friends with the University’s Welcome Buddy Scheme
Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boater Pledge
We recognise that students who are from Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boater (GTRSB) backgrounds face a number of challenges in their educational journey. In July 2024 the university committed to the GTRSB into HE pledge in order to provide a supportive and welcoming environment for students from these communities. If you want to contribute to the work of the pledge through our working group or to discuss your experiences as a GTRSB student, please contact us:
When I was transitioning to university, what helped me was getting to know others on my course, or even just in the same year. Joining societies was crucial to my social life and getting to know others who had the same interests as me made sure I wasn’t isolated.